› Works best if you take it 30 minutes before a meal, usually your first big meal of the day.

› Eat regular, balanced meals to avoid low blood sugar.

› Give injections in your belly, thighs, or upper arm within an hour of your two main meals of the day (separate doses by 6 or more hours).

› Eat regular, balanced meals to avoid low blood sugar.

Kidneys and liver

› Not a good choice for people with kidney problems because it's processed by the kidneys.

› If you have severe kidney or liver problems, you should not take Byetta (Exenatide). Talk to your doctor about testing your kidneys before starting Byetta (Exenatide). People taking medications that are damaging to kidneys such as ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs or diuretics in addition to Byetta (Exenatide) may notice nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Sex

No specific sex-related info.

No specific sex-related info.

Sleep

No specific sleep-related info.

No specific sleep-related info.

Weight

› Can cause mild weight gain (2 to 3 pounds).

› Can cause weight gain, dizziness, or stomach upset.

› Can lower your appetite by making you feel full. Some people also lose weight when taking Byetta (Exenatide).

› You have to check your blood sugar 2 to 5 times a week (less often once you are on a stable dose).

› Can cause mild weight gain (2 to 3 pounds).

› Not preferred for people 65 years or older since it can cause prolonged low blood sugar (more than 12 hours).

› Not a good choice for people with kidney problems because it's processed by the kidneys.

› Loses effectiveness over time or as your body stops making insulin.

› Only lowers A1c levels by 1%, which may not be enough to get your blood sugar in the safe range.

› Byetta (Exenatide) must be injected twice a day.

› Up to 40% of people taking Byetta (Exenatide) have upset stomach and side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion.

› Because Byetta (Exenatide) can interact with antibiotics and birth control pills, you can't take it until one hour after these medications.

› Other diabetes medications work as well and are cheaper.

Tips from our pharmacists for people taking the medication

Glyburide

Byetta

› Works best if you take it 30 minutes before a meal, usually your first big meal of the day.

› Can cause weight gain, dizziness, or stomach upset.

› Avoid drinking alcohol.

› Check your blood sugar regularly.

› Eat regular, balanced meals to avoid low blood sugar.

› Store in the refrigerator until opening. Do not freeze.

› Give injections in your belly, thighs, or upper arm within an hour of your two main meals of the day (separate doses by 6 or more hours).

› Change the needle and prime the pen every time you inject.

› It’s not safe to share this medication with other people, even if you change the needle.

› Don’t mix with insulin; give separate injections. Can be given at the same time as insulin, but in different injection areas.

› It's best to check your blood sugar at least once a day using a home blood sugar monitor to make sure your medication is working and is safe. Some people may need to test more often, ask your doctor.